Towing help

[Joe5y]

Hi,

Having read the following link on Towing I am still none the wiser as to whether I can actually tow on a B licence or not.

On occasions I drive a Citreon Berlingo Enterprise 2.0HDi Van with a 6ft x 4ft trailer on the back for bikes, fences, grass and random stuff. Having not done my trailer test does this mean I cannot actually tow anything or am I restricted to a lesser weight limit? The trailer in question has no MAM or is not plated, it is a simple frame with boarding.

Thanks in advance.

[Joe5y]

R0G said:

This your vehicle? = http://www.helpfindmea.co.uk/vans/specs/citroen-be...
Gross Train Weight 2905
Gross Vehicle Weight 1805
Max. Towing Weight - Braked 1100

If that is the vehicle then the weight plate on the trailer cannot be more than 1695 kg and any trailer including its load cannot be more than an actual weight of 1100 kg

No thats not it, mines Royal Blue . . .

Yes, thats the one. So even though I haven't taken my trailer test and the trailer isn't plated, as long as I don't tow over 1100kg I'll be fine?

[Joe5y]

R0G said:

What is the total of all the tyre load ratings on the trailer?

Answer that and I will let you know where you stand legally

Overall I'd say at most 2500kg made up of the van weighing 1805kg and the trailer at 200kg and the load being 500kg.

If this is too much, what is the limit?

[Joe5y]

R0G said:

I need the total of your tyre load ratings = http://www.blackcircles.com/general/load-rating
Please click the link, check your trailer tyres then reply with the total

84 all round so 500kg (or 2000kg if you times each corner by 4)

[Joe5y]

R0G said:

Trailer MAM is 2000 kg
Vehicle GVW is 1805 kg
Total MAM is 3805 kg so 305 too much for B towing
If you tow that trailer you will be illegal and void any insurance

So is it only based on the tyres that are on the trailer (and van)?! Seems odd as there is no way the trailer could hold 1000kg let alone 2000kg. Put it this way, I put just under a ton in it once and it bent the axle!

[Joe5y]

Crafty_ said:

Surely the best way to find out is take the trailer to a local weighbridge and find out what it weighs ?

Its entirely possible someone put higher rated tyres on than the trailer needs, thus relying on the tyre rating may be inaccurate?

I made the trailer and the wheels were from an 70's or 80's micra (or similar) the tyres were purchased as they were the cheapest 12inch one I could find. The trailer, although 6x4 and made of a metal frame with wooden panels is relatively light. 150-250kg unladen.